One of Vintage Travel’s luxury villas in Menorca – Bella Esperanza

Ciutadella and Bella Esperanza – A true match made in heaven! If any town has held up well to the pressure of tourism, than it’s Ciutadella in Menorca. This historical town was once the capital of the island until the British took over Menorca and decided to change the capital to Mahon in the eighteenth century.

Ciutadella does however; still remain the religious, historical and cultural capital of Menorca. On arrival to the inspiring town, the visitor is immediately greeted with a marvel – A mighty stone statue of a rearing stallion, which is representative of the Ciutadella’s famous “Fiesta de San Juan”, whereby thousands flock to the town’s streets at the end of June each year, keen to participate in the legendary celebrations.

Ciutadella’s harbour is a particularly pleasurable part of the town. This narrow inlet makes it one of the smallest harbours on the Mediterranean. Yet despite its relative trimness, Ciutadella harbour is bursting with character and being sat outside one on the port-side bars, basking in the sun and watching life in the town go by, is one of the most pleasant experiences Ciutadella has to offer.

If you can manage to drag yourself away from a quayside bar, a visit to the Cathedral in the Plaza de Pio XII is certainly recommended. This magnificent cathedral was complete in 1362, taking 50 years to construct. Exploring the narrow streets and quirky alleyways that surround the cathedral is one of the most atmospheric and memorable ways to discover this fascinating Menorcan town.

Ciutadella has so much to see and do that spending two weeks here is rarely enough. Although to help you conquer discovering the whole of Menorca’s former capital, why not stay in a property a stone’s throw from the town and one that does this exceptionally stunning part of the island the justice it deserves?

Bella Esperanza is  a luxury villa in Menorca, snuggled within an oil painting landscape of fruit orchids, vegetable plots and stunning Menorcan countryside as far as the eye can see. This detached whitewashed rural retreat sleeps two, and combines all the natural pleasures of the island with modern furnishings, making your stay here as comfortable as possible.

As much as this stylish, open-plan and welcoming villa radiates style and sophistication on the inside, like everywhere on Menorca, Bella Esperanza is very much geared up for outdoor living.

This has probably something to do with the fact that for at least 300 days a year, the sun beats down on Menorca, which compares miserably to Britain, which probably rains for 300 days a year, at least if this winter has been anything to go by!

Bella Esperanza’s intimate garden has a covered and open terrace, providing visitors with a pleasant mix of shade and sunshine, overlooking the many orchids, fields and other rural delights that surround this gorgeous property.

After wining and dining on the barbecue guests can take a dip in the villa’s private pool and contemplate whether they will spend the afternoon meandering around the compelling town of Ciutadella, which is just 1.4 kilometres away, or simply lounging around the pool.